"(North County) is such a big place and I thought there needed
to be a place for LGBT people," said the 43-year-old real estate
broker and Italian immigrant. "The community did not appear to be
welcoming, and I thought visibility was the first step to
take."

The fledgling coalition quickly attracted attention by
sponsoring a "Pride at the Beach" festival in Oceanside, which ----
in its first year ---- drew several hundred participants along with
some picketers objecting to the group's seaside gathering.

Money generated from the festival and a recent fundraiser helped
pay for the lease of the resource center at 510 N. Coast Highway,
Suite C. The group is set to move into the center Nov. 1 and hold
an official grand opening Dec. 4.

The coalition also has changed its name to North County Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Resource Center, with
its board naming Disposti as executive director.

The addition of "Questioning" is in recognition of people who
may be struggling with their sexual identity and can look to the
center as a place to feel comfortable and talk to others, Disposti
said.

Since he started his work, Disposti said he now believes most
people in North County are fully accepting of his efforts and the
people he works to represent and help.

So does Morgana Mlodoch, the center's communications
director.

"There's been a sea change in a short time," Mlodoch said.
"We've marched in the Oceanside Freedom Days Parade the last two
years and been cheered each time. The wider community now seems to
be very accepting."

Establishment of the center will provide an anchor for the LGBT
community, Mlodoch said.

"I am one of the many who have been driving down to Hillcrest
(in San Diego) for services and social events that we really need
to have in North County," she said. "We need our own vibrant center
of gravity and place for services and this will provide that."

Disposti and his supporters raised about $25,000 to get the
center space leased.

Besides a place for people to gather, it plans to offer HIV
testing and some mental health services.

It also will be a place where gay and lesbian Marines, sailors
and other troops can find a friendly ear and learn about resources
particular to their needs.

Adjacent to the center is Christi's place, a San Diego-based
agency that helps women and children affected by HIV.

Disposti said he's hoping for a large turnout for the grand
opening.

"We know our community will show up," he said. "But we're also
hoping to have our local government, the mayor and school trustees
who understand the importance of having a place like this in our
North County community."